Trautvetter+v.+Quick

Posted by: Hannah Dyal

 Patsy L. TRAUTVETTER, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. John B. QUICK, Individually and as Principal of Hymera Elementary School; Northeast School Corporation; Richard D. Walters, Individually and as Superintendent of the Northeast School Corporation; Donald R. Tinchner, Individually and as Assistant Superintendent of the Northeast School Corporation; Board of Trustees of Northeast Corporation; and Howard Turner, James Case, Ronald Hughes, Ronald Frye, and Larry Reynolds, All Individually and in their capacities as Members of the Board of Trustees of the Northeast School District, Defendants-Appellees.  No. 88-3232.  United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.  Argued June 6, 1989.  Decided October 12, 1990

Background: Two colleagues at an Hymera Elementary School were romantically involved for several months. The principal, John Quick, and a teacher in his school, Patsy Trautvetter, continued their affair a while before Mrs. Trautvetter announced the affair to her husband. The superintendent learned of the affair and decided it was consensual and no action should be taken. He did, however, offer both the opportunity to transfer.

Decision and Rationale: As in the case of //Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson,// Mrs. Trautvetter proved no evidence or material that proved Mr. Quick’s sexual advances were unwelcome to her. The court decided that there was no sexual harassment on the part of Mr. Quick because the affair was consensual. Mrs. Trautvetter’s claim was dismissed.

Impact on Teaching: Teachers need to be extremely careful in the classroom with students as well as colleagues. Teachers need to maintain professionalism in all aspects of their career. Incidences of sexual harassment need to be reported, not only so they can be stopped but also so they can be documented. Had Mrs. Trautvetter reported the “harassment” initially, the outcome of this case may have been different.

Question: Teachers need to maintain a relationship with other teachers and students. //(professional)//

-  Posted by: Randall McCarty Patsy L. TRAUTVETTER, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. John B. QUICK, Individually and as Principal of Hymera Elementary School; Northeast School Corporation; Richard D. Walters, Individually and as Superintendent of the Northeast School Corporation; Donald R. Tinchner, Individually and as Assistant Superintendent of the Northeast School Corporation; Board of Trustees of Northeast Corporation; and Howard Turner, James Case, Ronald Hughes, Ronald Frye, and Larry Reynolds, All Individually and in their capacities as Members of the Board of Trustees of the Northeast School District, Defendants-Appellees. No. 88-3232.    United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit Argued June 6, 1989 Decided October 12, 1990 As Amended November 1, 1990  ** Background ** Patsy Trautvetter was a teacher at Hymera elementary school in the early to mid 80’s when she felt she had been sexually harassed by the Principal John Quick. In actuality Trautvetter and Quick had been exchanging phone calls, using innuendos, and engaging in acts that appeared to be consensual. Ultimately, the two had sexual intercourse. Patsy, however, says that the acts where not consensual and filed a complaint against Quick as well as the school and other officials.  ** <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif';">Decision and Rationale **<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif';">Patsy alleged the defendants had <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">engaged in sexual discrimination, condoned acts of sexual harassment depriving her of constitutional rights, and conspiracy regarding the previous statements. Mrs. Trautvetter’s claims were discovered by the court to have unsubstantial evidence regarding her relationship with Mr. Quick as nonconsensual, and thus dismissed. <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Implications ** <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Teachers should be certain their relationships with coworkers are professional, proper, and well understood. Any actions, speech, or conduct that could be misconstrued should be avoided. The first instance of any conduct by a coworker that makes one feel harassed or uncomfortable should be addressed to that person, and if not remedied should be documented and reported immediately. <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">What are the risks of relationships with coworkers that are not kept strictly professional? <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif';">